A Half-million And Counting

Urban Flight Helps Fuel Rapid Growth

May 7, 2006|By Jim Turner The Stuart News

More than a half-million people now call the Treasure Coast home, according to the latest U.S. Census numbers.

Barring further cement shortages, hurricanes or a sudden desire by people to live in colder, less-sunny climates, the 600,000 mark could be surpassed by the 2010 census, with the three-quarter-million mark reached in nine to 19 years, depending upon whose growth projections are used, officials say.

Most new residents are white, elderly or part of the Baby Boomer generation that is moving into retirement, according to statistics. But the face of those who are new Treasure Coast residents has also been taking on a Latin leaning as urban flight spills northward from South Florida.

Greg Vaday, economic-development coordinator with the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, said a single long-range future growth projection would be misleading.

However, he estimated the region could double or triple before reaching what could be considered "build out," when there would be more people than could be manageable for a quality lifestyle.

"From a general standpoint, we have a lot of carriage capacity, [but] the big unknown is St. Lucie County," Vaday said.

"If we don't do anything, we know it will impact our water system, our workforce housing. The alternatives are a more carefully planned development pattern, which entails higher densities, real places, making cities.

"We can still have an identity different from South Florida. The argument for the politicians is, `Do we link with them, buy into the concept or do we fiercely maintain ourselves as the Treasure Coast?'"

A recent study by the Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions at Florida Atlantic University recommends that Treasure Coast governments work with their South Florida counterparts -- rather than concentrating on provincial self-interest -- in traffic, housing, commerce and education if they want to ensure a positive economic and environmental future for the entire region.

For all the fears of urbanization through over-development and politicians and residents campaigning against "Browardization," the Treasure Coast is a long way from its southern neighbors in population terms, according to the report.